Every Little Kiss (Sequoia Lake, #2)

by Marina Adair

There’s nothing that single mom Liv Preston won’t do if it means making her six-year-old son smile again. After a heartbreaking two years, her little family is due for some fun in the sun. She just didn’t expect to find it in the big, rugged, Search and Rescue hero next door—who shows her just how exciting, and sexy, life’s adventures can be.

As head of Reno’s K-9 search division, Ford Jamison knows what it takes to make life-and-death decisions on the fly. He doesn’t hesitate, doesn’t do regrets, and has never doubted his instincts—until he makes a promise that turns his world upside down. Desperate for redemption, he returns to Sequoia Lake, only to find himself face-to-face with his past…and the one woman he can’t have. Not when his secret would destroy her—and everything she holds dear.

For Liv, finding love once was a gift. Finding it twice seems impossible, until the moment Ford’s lips meet hers. Love doesn’t always come easy, but when it’s right, it’s worth fighting for…

• ISBN10: 1477848789
• ISBN13: 9781477848784
• Publish Date: 18 July 2017
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 7 November 2024
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Montlake Romance
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 254
• Language: English

Reviews

[kimbacaffeinate]

Liv Preston, bought her husband's childhood home after he died in a traffic accident. She and her six-year-old son are taking it one day at a time. Adair does an incredible job of bringing us into their home and sharing the complexities of their daily life and their struggles to move forward. I liked and identified with Liv but recognized she isn't quite living. Her son is adorable from his stuffed dog to his love of super heroes.

Ford Jamison is the head of Reno’s K-9 search division. A tragedy two years ago left him questioning his decisions and seeking redemption. He returns to Sequoia Lake to put the past behind him and prepare for his next assignment. But Liv and her son are there, and things are about to get complicated.

Adair descriptive writing style brought the town to life while allowing us to get to know Ford and Liv. Ford is quite sexy, and the ladies are fawning over him, particularly the older women of the community. Liv is reawakening, setting career goals and for the first time reaching out to participate in small-town life.

I loved the feisty older women who all needed saving. The back and forth banter and trickery between Ford and a fellow officer added moments of laughter.  Then we had Super Hero camp and community mothers who quickly made us feel a part of the town and upcoming events. All of these elements added depth and had me wanting to pack my bags and move to Sequoia Lake.

Through it all, a relationship is developing between Ford and Liv. It is slow burning and filled with baby steps and no expectations. Ford was swoony, as are most heroes, and I had no trouble falling for this man and his dog. I felt for him, but I also wish, he had been more open about who he was in the beginning. On the other hand, Ford awakened something in Liv. I enjoyed seeing her blossom and engage in life again. Baby steps for her and her son, but it was a pleasure to witness.

Adair managed to give me all of the feels from sorrow to outbursts of laughter. Renee Raudman's narration was delightful. I adore her narration of Ilona Andrews works, so it was pleasant listening to her take on a contemporary romance. She does well with both male and female voices, and I quickly slipped in. Ruadman enhances any tale she narrates capturing the emotions of the characters and enabling the listener to lose themselves in the story.

Audio provided by the publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer